INSIGHTS

Insights

New Valve Business Realities Highlighted At Annual Meeting

In 2016, there is no “business as usual”, and speakers at VMA’s Annual Meeting offered sound advice to navigate the new reality of 21st century commerce.
#VMAnews

Manufacturing

Global Economic Outlook 2017

While there are obvious differences from country to country, one could reasonably generalize by saying that what we have today is a combination of low growth, low inflation, increasingly ineffective economic policies, and increasingly destructive politics.
#VMAnews

Insights

What’s in Store for the Construction Market?

As was the case with many of the presenters at VMA’s Market Outlook Workshop held in August 2016, Randy Giggard of FMI Consulting noted that availability of labor at all levels is a major concern in the construction business.
#VMAnews

Insights

Safety: It’s Not About Rules and Regulations

On Aug. 2, 2016, OSHA fines increased, but critics ask: Does this higher fine actually increase safety?
#standards

Manufacturing

The 2017 Market Outlook: Oil & Gas, China and U.S. Dollar Are Still Top Concerns

As was the case at last year’s event, speakers and attendees at this year’s Market Outlook Workshop were consistent in their concerns about the low price of oil and the high U.S. dollar.
#VMAnews

Insights

An End-User’s Perspective on Valve Selection and Risk

I am not a valve expert, although I often play one where I work.
#knowyourvalves

Insights

New Test Stamp and More Updates on Pressure Vessel Codes

A new test organization program and stamp has been authorized by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI), effective February 2016.
#pressure-relief #standards

Technical

Intermediate Class Valves, the Forgotten Classification

These days, piping designers use automated systems that default to standard classifications such as pressure classes of 150 to 2500 for valves and associated equipment.
#automation #pressure-relief #standards

Insights

The Nation’s Confidence in the Economy Looks Brighter

One major change in the economic picture that’s occurred since the beginning of this year is that “we’re starting to see improvement in terms of sentiment,” according to Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). He gave a third-quarter update via webcast July 21. “When I meet with manufacturing leaders around the country, I’m often asked: have we hit rock bottom?
#VMAnews

Insights

Valve Repair Takes Center Stage in Houston

Attendees gathered June 2-3 in Houston to discuss a number of topics of concern to professionals in the valve repair and service industry.
#maintenance-repair